Daily Guidelines: June 18, 2018

June 18, 2018 – Monday
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Gospel – Mt 5:38-42



Go the extra mile

“An eye for an eye.” Jesus challenges our tendency to take matters in our hand. There is so many attacks going on these days – to our Catholic Church, among leaders of countries . . . Perhaps in your own personal situation you felt threatened, abused, or ignored by people you trusted. Our human impulse is to protect ourselves and attack those who hurt us. Justice! Vengeance! Retribution!



However, the radical teaching of Jesus says otherwise. To view situations from his lens absolutely brings us out of ourselves and draws our gaze to others. Value others first in concrete ways, that’s the invitation. This does not mean we remain timid in the midst of injustice. Rather, we are called to turn ourselves and trust God so much that we leave our vindication to him. By not retaliating, by not stooping down to your oppressor we do not confirm to the worldly ways. You might wonder how far should we stand firm to his teaching? He is a God of Justice. He is in control. All things will be settled in an appropriate time. If we stand in truth with him, nothing can be taken away from us. The call stands, love our enemies and make them our friends. 



Holy Spirit grant us the gift of understanding to accept God’s ways and the wisdom to act accordingly. Amen.



​#PrayVD